Types of Electric Vehicles

With new technology comes new terminology. It's worth noting that "electric vehicle" can be used to describe several different vehicle types, including fully battery-powered vehicles (all-electric vehicles), plug-in hybrids, and conventional hybrids. Understanding each type and its advantages is a first step toward finding the right EV for your needs and your budget. 

All-electric

All-electric vehicles (AEVs) are completely powered by electric motors. Instead of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) which runs on gasoline, the car has an electric motor (sometimes two or more) that runs on electricity coming from a battery.

All-electric might be right for you if:
 
  • You drive 125 miles or less most days
  • You have access to power where you park your car (at home, work, or both)
More about all-electric vehicles
Types of charging
EVs in winter
Cost of ownership
Compare models

Plug-in hybrid

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have two power sources: an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Typically, the car uses its battery power first and then switches to the internal combustion engine. For shorter trips, this means you might never use any gas. For longer trips, it means you don't have to worry about charging if you run out of battery power. A plug-in hybrid plugs in to recharge the battery.

Plug-in hybrid might be right for you if:
 
  • You want the flexibility to drive longer miles without charging
  • You have access to power where you park (at home, work, or both)
  • You want to dip your toes into the electric world but aren’t ready to dive all the way in
More about plug-in hybrid
Types of charging
Cost of ownership
Compare models

Hybrid

Conventional hybrids are more efficient than most gasoline-powered vehicles, but they don’t plug in, and they’re still generally powered by fossil fuels. Some manufacturers refer to these cars as “electrified.” Conventional hybrids aren’t eligible for state or federal incentives, so Drive Electric Vermont doesn’t focus much on them.